When constructing a driveway, there are many factors to consider. Materials, installation costs, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics are all essential considerations. However, one material that stands out above the rest is asphalt. This blog post is about why you must consider an asphalt driveway for your home. But before, let’s understand the following –
How is Asphalt as a Material?
Asphalt is a black or brown petroleum-like compound with a sticky liquid to glassy solid consistency. It is made out of petroleum distillation or from natural origins and comprises hydrogen and carbon molecules with trace amounts of nitrogen, sulphur, and oxygen. Natural asphalt, which originates early in the breakdown of organic marine deposits into petroleum, includes minerals, whereas residual petroleum asphalt does not.
Why Should You Choose Asphalt Driveway?
1. Asphalt is easy to repair
Regarding upkeep, asphalt is easier to fix than concrete. Only the top layer of an asphalt driveway is repaved during repairs. It is because an asphalt driveway’s foundation and intermediate layers are both considered permanent.
Most homeowners can readily fix cracks or tiny holes in an asphalt driveway. Asphalt driveways are easy to repair, but they need regular maintenance. Although an asphalt driveway does not usually last as long as a concrete driveway, it may endure up to 30 years with appropriate upkeep.
2. Asphalt driveways have a smooth appearance
Because concrete contains cement, it has an industrialised viberather than a warm and inviting one. If you are worried about the aesthetics of your driveway and would prefer a lovely, smooth appearance, asphalt is the way to go.
Although asphalt colours are limited, specific tints and finishes exist for asphalt driveways. For example, your paving contractor can add a colour coating incorporating mineral aggregates to boost slide resistance and traction.
3. Asphalt offers several advantages over concrete
Selecting an asphalt driveway over a concrete driveway has various advantages. Asphalt driveways are the apparent victor in terms of installation since they need less building time. Because asphalt cures rapidly, you can use it soon after installation. When it comes to repairing your asphalt driveway, it is easier to recycle than concrete, which is tough to remove.
4. Practical
Because it is where your automobiles travel over the most, one component of a good driveway is how effectively it protects your vehicles. Flat asphalt driveways provide a level surface that is easy on tyres and shocks. Gravel, bricks, and tiles, on the other hand, grow uneven in smoothness and endanger the functionality of your vehicle’s chassis over time. Because asphalt roads are flat, they make less noise when driven over.
Understanding why asphalt is your house’s driveway of choice will help you provide a better driving surface for yourself and others while maintaining a high level of curb appeal. Asphalt, like any other rodeo material, will require repairs and maintenance. Fortunately, the professionals provide special coating and filling services.
5. Flexible
While asphalt and concrete are nearly sure to crack in spots, asphalt is more flexible than concrete, making it less susceptible to significant cracking. Asphalt cracks lead to lengthy fault-line fracture that stretches from edge to edge, as concrete cracks do.
Use a rubberised asphalt-emulsion crack filler for minor cracks. You may use a caulking gun or a putty knife to apply it. Fill the gap with tiny, crushed, angular pebbles, then fill with a cold-patch asphalt repair solution, such as blacktop, for more major fractures up to 2 inches wide.
6. Easy to Maintain
The best asphalt driveway in Melbourne requires maintenance and minor damage repairs are quick and easy. While asphalt does fade from its original dramatic black to a grey colour after a few years, the solution is easy. A seal coating on your driveway every few years can return it to new condition while safeguarding it. It will be pitch black once more. More extensive fractures are also easily repaired. You can ask the experts to repair giant cracks, so it blends in with the rest of your driveway.
7. Asphalt, unlike concrete, will not be destroyed by harsh winters
With a concrete driveway, you can only wait and see what damage has occurred after months of bitter weather. There are a few factors that make asphalt more resistant to winter deterioration. One advantage is its adaptability. It can endure freezing and thawing considerably better without cracking.
The rock salt used to keep driveways clear of ice is another item that harms them in the winter. The compounds in this salt damage concrete, making it more straightforward to break down, whereas asphalt is resistant to these chemicals. Furthermore, because asphalt has a dark hue, it absorbs more heat from the sun.
8. Timeline
You must give time for the concrete to cure after pouring a concrete driveway. Depending on your area’s weather patterns and the driveway’s size, this might take up to a week. Meanwhile, you’re stuck without access to your garage, street parking, or anywhere you can locate a place.
When you pour an asphalt driveway, it will be ready to use as soon as it hardens in a matter of hours. Your installer may advise you to remain off it for a day or two to let it adequately set and avoid dents or cracks.
Schedule an Appointment with Best Concretors: Roadseal Civil
There are many factors and aspects to consider when choosing a driveway material for your home. However, asphalt is an excellent option for an affordable, long-lasting, and easy-to-maintain solution. If you’re thinking about asphalt driveway cost or installing a new driveway, connect with our professionals, who are certified, trained, and experienced enough to help you with every residential and commercial construction project.
